Self-defense classes start Jan. 8

The city of Greeley Leisure Services Department will offer a five-week women’s self-defense class beginning Jan. 8 at the Jesus Rodarte Cultural Center.

Participants in the class, scheduled from 6-7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, are restricted to ages 14 and up. Cost is $40 for residents and $45 for nonresidents. Maximum size for this class will be 16 people.

The class will be taught by Ron Lousberg, who has 30 years of martial arts training. He is a fourth-degree black belt and world champion in full-contact karate.

Lessons will cover techniques for standing and ground fighting, disarming weapons, sexual assault defense and defense in a car. Women may also learn to identify dangerous situations and how to survive attacks ranging from low levels of aggression to extremely violent assaults.